A warning has been sent to every Instagram and TikTok user about the risks of sharing Christmas photos and videos on the platforms.
Security experts say people could end up ruining their holiday season if they don’t think carefully about what they’re sharing online.
Security experts have released a series of guidelines to help social media users have a merry Christmas without inviting a whole load of misery and heartache.
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This is because millions of people preparing for Christmas in the UK are putting themselves and their belongings at risk of theft.
Sharing images and videos on social media platforms for gifts and decorations could lead to burglary, and with nine million #ChristmasDecor hashtags on Instagram and 586.2 million views TikTok, retailers of Security Safe. co.uk have highlighted the potential damage.
Whether it’s sharing gifts under the tree, warning burglars that a house is empty, and giving away the layout of the property, celebrating Christmas online could prove to be catastrophic in the long run, and with Less than two months and two paydays until the big day, many Brits really should start their festive planning this week.
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Celebrating with the family and keeping everything as a surprise is the surest way to enjoy the holidays, especially considering the problems that a simple social media post could cause.
In fact, 72 percent of parents admit to posting their Christmas decoration on social media, and 66 percent said they weren’t even aware of the consequences.
(Image : Safe.co.uk)
Safe recommends against sharing the following, along with tips on how to post safely this Christmas:
Christmas presents: Whether the image or video features the presents tucked under the tree, or purchased and wrapped, you instantly show a burglar that these items are going to be lying around and available on the property for the entire period leading up to Christmas Day. Keep giveaways a secret, and when posting a tree photo, make sure no giveaways are in sight.
Family reunions: With last year’s Christmas restricting visits for many, family reunions will be the order of the day across the country. Posting with relatives or friends will advertise the fact that you are not at home. To be on the safe side, avoid registering on social media, post pictures when you are back home and when you are away, make sure you have security lights and timed lights inside, to give the illusion that people are in.
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(Image : Safe.co.uk)
Layout of the property: Showcasing home transformations and winter wonderland is a common social media post. However, in addition to displaying all the decorations, the layout of the property is also featured on TikTok videos and Instagram reels. This will give burglars the ability to explore the house and plan their route for quick access to items they wish to take with them. When sharing photos, try to focus on certain elements such as the table decoration or the Christmas tree, because in this way the joy of Christmas is shared without tracing the layout of each room.
Close-ups of the exterior and the door: Door decorations are getting more and more extravagant with each passing year, as wreaths, bows, lights and accessories are used to create the perfect Christmas home entryway. However, close-ups of the door can show the locks and material of the door, allowing burglars to plan out any tools, as well as their approach to break-in. Try to post close-ups of all exterior decorations such as reindeer statues or lights, rather than revealing the barrier that stands in front of thieves, and the exterior layout of the house.
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(Image : Safe.co.uk)
Purchases: As Christmas approaches, getting ready for Christmas can often be a stressful but exciting time. Avoid sharing stories of queues in stores or online orders as this could point to items you will have in your house, waiting to be opened on the big day, giving thieves a long window opportunity to move. Sharing content days and weeks after this has happened is better than doing it live, try posting days after Christmas, so burglars know this is not currently happening and it will not be the case. perfect time to try to fly.
Anthony Neary, Managing Director of safe.co.uk said: “Christmas is definitely an exciting time. However, it takes a lot of energy and money, and burglars are very aware and active throughout the month of December to spoil the fun.
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“As we approach the holiday season, we wanted to advise families on how to post safely on social media, without giving any clues or signs to thieves.
“The risks of innocent posting are not being taken into account as millions of people share vital information about their properties and content on Instagram and TikTok, and we believe it is important to be one step ahead of them. thieves at all times, so you don’t have to. deal with the pain that a burglary can cause.
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